Cardinal Newman TE Matt Burke commits to Purdue

Matt Burke hoped his recruiting process would speed up once he played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Turns out one of the schools recruiting him before his big moment landed Burke’s verbal pledge anyway. The 6-foot-6, 215-pound senior verbally committed to Purdue late Tuesday night, choosing the Boilermakers over Boise State, San Diego State, Harvard and FIU, among others.

His official visit to the West Lafayette, Ind., campus this past weekend changed his perspective. He’d previously enjoyed trips to Boise, San Diego State and Harvard. Purdue’s official scholarship offer came on Jan. 13.

Burke (No. 10 on the Big Board) caught 26 passes for 310 yards and four touchdowns as a senior for Newman, which reached the regional semifinals of the Class 3A playoffs. He’s considering studying business at Purdue.